How to Cook Beets: 5 Easy Methods for Perfect Flavor
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If you’ve ever wondered how to cook beets without turning your kitchen into a crime scene—or ruining their vibrant flavor—you’re in the right place. Beets are one of the most underrated root vegetables, packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
Whether you’re looking to boil, roast, steam, or microwave beets, this guide will walk you through each cooking method step-by-step, so you can get perfect results every time.
In this post, you’ll learn the easiest ways to cook fresh beets, how to peel them without staining your hands, how to store them properly, and how to use cooked beets in delicious recipes—from salads to smoothies to soups.
Cooking beets doesn’t have to be messy or complicated, and by the end of this article, you’ll be confident in preparing them like a pro.
Why Cook Beets?
Beets are more than just a colorful addition to your plate—they’re a nutritional powerhouse and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. If you’ve never given them a proper chance, here’s why you should start cooking beets today:
Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are loaded with essential nutrients:
- High in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and folate
- Rich in antioxidants (betalains) that may reduce inflammation
- Linked to better blood pressure regulation and improved heart health
- Naturally low in calories and high in hydration
Whether you’re eating them for wellness or weight loss, beets are a smart, nutrient-dense choice.
Naturally Sweet & Delicious
Cooking beets brings out their natural sugars, resulting in a flavor that’s earthy, sweet, and mellow. This makes them a great addition to both savory dishes and desserts. Unlike many root vegetables, beets maintain a firm texture after cooking—especially when roasted—which adds a satisfying bite to your meals.
Versatile in Recipes
Beets are incredibly flexible. Once cooked, you can:
- Slice them into salads or grain bowls
- Blend into smoothies or juices
- Puree into soups like traditional borscht
- Serve as a side dish with herbs and olive oil
- Even bake them into chocolate beet brownies (trust us!)
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a meal-prep pro, learning how to cook beets opens the door to a wide range of healthy, colorful meals.
Choosing and Preparing Beets
Before you cook beets, it’s important to start with fresh, high-quality produce and prep them properly. This helps ensure the best flavor and texture, no matter which cooking method you use.
How to Choose Fresh Beets
Look for these signs when shopping:
- Firm and smooth skin – Avoid soft spots, shriveled skin, or blemishes.
- Deep, rich color – Most common are red or purple beets, but golden and striped (Chioggia) varieties are great too.
- Greens still attached – If you can find beets with the greens intact, that’s a sign they’re fresh. Bonus: beet greens are edible and nutritious!
How to Clean and Trim Beets
Beets grow underground, so they often come with dirt still on them. Here’s how to prep them before cooking:
- Trim the greens – Cut the leafy tops about 1 inch above the beetroot. Don’t cut too close or they’ll “bleed” during cooking.
- Don’t peel yet (unless roasting in chunks) – For most methods, it’s better to cook beets with the skin on and peel them after. It’s easier and less messy.
- Scrub well – Use a vegetable brush or your hands to remove all visible dirt.
To Peel or Not to Peel (Before Cooking)?
- Leave the skin on if you’re boiling, steaming, or roasting whole – it helps keep the color and nutrients intact.
- Peel before cooking only if you’re slicing or cubing them to roast faster or for uniform pieces.
Tip: Cooked beet skins slip off easily by rubbing with a paper towel or gloved hand—no peeler needed!
How to Cook Beets – 5 Easy Methods
There’s no one “right” way to cook beets—it depends on how much time you have, what texture you prefer, and how you plan to use them. Below are five popular, beginner-friendly methods to cook beets to perfection.
1. How to Boil Beets
Best for: Smoothies, salads, purees, or when you want super tender beets.
Steps:
- Place whole, unpeeled beets in a large pot.
- Cover with water by at least 2 inches.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to minimize bleeding (optional).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for:
- Small beets: 25–30 minutes
- Large beets: 40–50 minutes
- Test doneness with a fork—it should glide in easily.
- Let cool slightly, then peel using paper towels or your hands.
Boiled beets are juicy and mild in flavor—great for beet hummus or borscht!
2. How to Roast Beets
Best for: Concentrated sweetness and deep flavor.
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim beets (leave skins on).
- Wrap each beet in foil or place in a covered baking dish.
- Roast for 45–60 minutes (depending on size).
- Let cool, then peel and slice.
Want quicker roasting? Peel and cut beets into 1-inch cubes, toss with olive oil and roast uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
3. How to Steam Beets
Best for: Preserving nutrients and getting a soft texture without losing moisture.
Steps:
- Fill a pot with 1–2 inches of water and place a steamer basket inside.
- Add whole or halved beets to the basket.
- Cover and steam for 30–40 minutes.
- Let cool slightly, then peel.
Steaming is a great method if you want to avoid using oil or boiling away nutrients.
4. How to Cook Beets in the Instant Pot
Best for: Fast cooking with minimal cleanup.
Steps:
- Place a trivet in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water.
- Add whole beets (trimmed, unpeeled).
- Set to high pressure:
- Small beets: 12 minutes
- Medium to large beets: 15–20 minutes
- Quick release the pressure and let cool.
- Peel and use as desired.
This is the fastest way to cook beets without sacrificing texture or flavor.
5. How to Microwave Beets (Quick Method)
Best for: When you’re in a hurry and cooking just 1 or 2 beets.
Steps:
- Place washed, whole beets in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add ¼ cup of water and cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap.
- Microwave on high for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before peeling.
Microwaved beets may not be as sweet or flavorful as roasted ones, but they’re perfect for last-minute meals.
Tips for Peeling Beets Easily
Peeling beets can be messy—especially red ones—but these tips will help you keep your hands, clothes, and counters stain-free.
1. Cook First, Peel Later
The easiest way to peel beets is after cooking. Boiling, steaming, or roasting loosens the skin, so it practically slides off.
- Let the beets cool just enough to handle.
- Rub the skin off using a paper towel, your hands, or a clean kitchen cloth.
- You’ll be amazed how easily it comes off—no peeler needed!
2. Wear Gloves (Optional)
If you’re dealing with red beets and want to avoid staining:
- Wear disposable gloves while peeling.
- Or rub your hands with a little olive oil before handling beets—it forms a barrier against stains.
3. Clean Up Beet Stains
If beet juice stains your hands or cutting board:
- Rub with lemon juice, baking soda, or vinegar, then wash with soap and water.
- For cutting boards, sprinkle salt or baking soda, add a little water, and scrub with a sponge.
Beet juice is strong—but not permanent! Quick cleanup is key.
How to Store Cooked Beets
Once you’ve cooked your beets, proper storage helps keep them fresh, flavorful, and ready for quick meals all week.
1. In the Refrigerator
Cooked beets store well in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
- Let them cool completely.
- Peel (if not already peeled) and store whole, sliced, or cubed.
- Place in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep them from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Refrigerated beets are perfect for tossing into salads, bowls, or quick sides!
2. In the Freezer
Yes—you can freeze beets! It’s a great way to prep in bulk and reduce waste.
How to freeze cooked beets:
- Cook, peel, and slice or dice your beets.
- Lay pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, label, and store for up to 3 months.
Frozen beets work well in smoothies, soups, or reheated dishes—but may lose a bit of firmness once thawed.
3. Meal Prep Tip
Store beets separately from dressings and greens if prepping bowls or salads in advance. This keeps everything crisp and fresh longer.
How to Use Cooked Beets
Now that you’ve mastered cooking beets, it’s time to enjoy them! Their natural sweetness, bold color, and earthy flavor make them incredibly versatile in both savory and sweet dishes.
1. Add to Salads
Beets pair beautifully with:
- Goat cheese or feta
- Arugula or spinach
- Citrus fruits
- Walnuts or pumpkin seeds
Try a roasted beet and goat cheese salad with balsamic glaze—classic and delicious.
2. Toss into Grain Bowls
Mix cooked, cubed beets with quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Add protein (like chickpeas or grilled chicken), veggies, and a drizzle of tahini or lemon dressing.
3. Blend into Smoothies
Cooked beets add color, nutrients, and natural sweetness to smoothies. Combine with:
- Frozen berries
- Banana
- Greek yogurt or plant-based milk
- A scoop of protein powder (optional)
Great for post-workout recovery thanks to natural nitrates!
4. Make Beet Soup (Borscht)
A warm, hearty option—especially in colder months. Classic borscht features beets, potatoes, cabbage, and dill in a rich broth. Add sour cream on top for the full experience.
5. Roast Again with Other Veggies
Toss cooked beets with carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips and roast them for a flavorful veggie medley. Great as a side dish or warm salad base.
6. Try Pickling
Turn your cooked beets into quick-pickled magic (more on that in the next section!). Adds zing to burgers, sandwiches, and cheese boards.
Bonus: Quick Pickled Beets Recipe
Pickling is a great way to give your cooked beets a tangy twist—and it only takes a few minutes to prep. These quick pickled beets are perfect for salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked beets (peeled and sliced or cubed)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional add-ins: a few peppercorns, bay leaf, or sliced onions
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat just until sugar dissolves.
- Place the cooked beets in a clean glass jar.
- Pour the hot liquid over the beets, making sure they’re fully submerged.
- Let cool, then seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (better after 24 hours).
They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. No canning required!
Quick pickled beets add brightness and flavor to almost any dish—and they’re a great way to preserve leftovers.
FAQs About Cooking Beets
Do you have to peel beets before cooking?
You don’t have to peel beets before cooking them. In fact, it’s often easier to cook them with the skin on, especially when boiling, roasting, or steaming. Once they’re cooked and slightly cooled, the skin slips off easily using your hands or a paper towel.
What is the best way to cook beets?
The best way to cook beets depends on your taste and how you plan to use them. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and creates a rich, caramelized flavor. Boiling is faster and great for softening the beets for soups or smoothies. Steaming is ideal if you want to retain the most nutrients, while using an Instant Pot or microwave works well for saving time without sacrificing too much flavor.
How do you get beet stains off your hands?
To remove beet stains from your hands, rub them with lemon juice, vinegar, or baking soda, then wash with warm water and soap. These natural cleaners help lift the pigment from your skin. If you want to avoid stains altogether, wearing gloves while handling beets is the easiest solution.
Can you freeze cooked beets?
Yes, cooked beets freeze very well. Once they’ve been boiled, steamed, or roasted and cooled, you can slice or dice them and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about three months and are convenient for adding to smoothies, soups, or grain bowls later.
How long do cooked beets last in the fridge?
Cooked beets can last in the refrigerator for up to five to seven days. It’s best to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing other odors in your fridge.
Can you eat beet skin?
Yes, beet skin is technically edible, though it can be a bit tough depending on the beet’s age and how it was cooked. Most people prefer to remove the skin after cooking to improve the texture and flavor of the final dish.
Are cooked beets healthy?
Cooked beets are still very healthy. While cooking can slightly reduce their vitamin content, they remain rich in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Roasted or steamed beets, in particular, retain most of their nutrients and are a great addition to a balanced diet.
